Are you tired of buying gorgeous high heels only to find out they’re too big for your feet? Don’t worry; you don’t have to give up on them yet.
How to wear high heels that are too big can be uncomfortable and compromise your poise and confidence. Whether you’ve purchased the wrong size by mistake or inherited a fabulous pair that doesn’t quite fit, there are clever solutions to make them work for you.
This guide will explore practical tips and tricks for wearing your oversized heels with grace and ease. It will allow you to enjoy both comfort and style without sacrificing one for the other. From simple insoles to strategic styling techniques, you’ll discover how to make those too-big high heels feel like they were made just for you.
What Will You Need?
Before diving into the tips and tricks, let’s ensure you have everything you need to fix your oversized heels. Here are some essential items to help you get started:
- Shoe inserts or insoles
- Heel grips
- Adhesive tape or moleskin padding
- Socks or gel pads
- A hairdryer (optional)
Once you have these items, you can start adjusting your shoes to fit your feet comfortably.
10 Easy Steps on How to Wear High Heels That Are Too Big
Step 1. Use Insoles or Inserts
One of the easiest and most effective ways to make your oversized heels wearable is by using insoles or inserts. These can provide extra cushioning and support for your feet, filling up the excess space inside the shoe. You can find various insole options at any drugstore or shoe store, from gel inserts to foam paddings. Try different types until you find one that fits your foot shape and provides enough comfort.
Step 2. Add Heel Grips
Heel grips are another excellent solution for oversized high heels. These sticky pads adhere to the back of your shoe, providing a snugger fit around your heel by minimizing the gap and preventing your foot from slipping out. They are beneficial if the shoes are just slightly oversized, as they can secure your foot without significantly altering the shoe’s feel.
To apply, simply remove the adhesive backing and place the grip at the heel’s back inside the shoe. It’s essential to position them carefully for maximum effectiveness and comfort. Heel grips are available in gel and foam materials, allowing you to choose the best texture against your skin. Experiment with different types to find one that provides both comfort and stability, ensuring that your steps remain confident and poised.
Step 3. Try Downsizing with Socks or Gel Pads
If your high heels are slightly too big, wearing thicker socks or adding gel pads can reduce the extra space. Socks can add bulk and cushion your feet, making your shoes fit more snugly. Opt for no-show or low-cut socks if you want them to stay discreet. On the other hand, gel pads are designed to add extra cushioning and comfort without being visible. Place them at the ball of your foot or where your heel needs extra filling.
Step 4. Use Moleskin Padding or Adhesive Tape
Moleskin padding and adhesive tape are versatile tools for making significant heels more wearable. You can prevent slipping and create a snugger fit by padding areas where your foot needs additional support or filling. Cut the moleskin to size and apply it to places like the toe box or heel to adjust the fit. Adhesive tape can be wrapped around your toes or heels to create extra bulk. This method allows for custom adjustments to specific problem areas, ensuring a more comfortable and stable daily wear. Always test different placements and amounts to find the most effective configuration for your needs.
Step 5. Tighten with a Hairdryer
Using a hairdryer is an unconventional but effective method to help tighten oversized high heels, mainly if they are made of leather or a similar stretchable material. First, wear a pair of thick socks and then put on your high heels. Turn the hairdryer to a medium setting and aim the heat at areas where the shoe feels loose, such as the toe box or sides. Keep the hairdryer moving to avoid overheating any one spot. The heat will help the material constrict slightly.
Your shoe will mold to a snugger fit around the sock as it cools. Once you’re done, allow your boots to cool before removing them. This step can help reduce excess space and improve overall comfort without permanently altering the shoe’s shape. Use caution to prevent damage by keeping the hairdryer at a safe distance and checking the material periodically.
Step 6. Stuff the Toes with Cotton or Tissue
For significantly too big heels, stuffing the toes with cotton or tissue can provide an easy and economical fix. This method is beneficial for pointed or closed-toe heel designs, where excess space often lies at the front of the shoe. Simply take some cotton balls or tissue paper and gently stuff them into the toe area until you achieve a cozy and stable fit.
This additional padding can prevent your feet from sliding forward, keeping your toes cushioned and comfortable. Be careful not to overstuff, as this can create discomfort or pressure. With the right filling, your too-big heels will look and feel tailored to your size.
Step 7. Use Adjustable Straps or Bands
If your high heels come with adjustable straps, utilize them to create a more secure fit. Straps can be tightened to hold your foot in place, reducing movement and preventing slipping. If your shoes don’t have straps, add fashion tape or elastic bands to mimic this effect.
Fashion tape can be used to temporarily stick your foot to the sole of the shoe, providing stability with each step. Elastic or fabric bands can be wrapped around the shoe and your foot, acting like a strap to keep your shoes snugly in place. These methods offer a customizable fit, allowing you to walk confidently and style, even in slightly too-large heels.
Step 8. Get Professional Shoe Alteration
Consider having your oversized high heels professionally altered by a cobbler for a more permanent solution. A skilled cobbler can custom-fit your shoes by changing the heel grips, adjusting straps, or taking in areas of the shoe to fit your foot size better. While this option may be more expensive, it ensures a tailored fit that maintains the shoe’s style and integrity.
Professional alterations are especially beneficial for those who frequently invest in high-quality heels and require comfort and fit for prolonged wear. When visiting a cobbler, clearly communicate your fitting needs and any problem areas for a personalized solution that reflects your unique preferences.
Step 9. Utilize Insoles for Extra Support
Insoles can be a versatile solution for reducing the size of shoes that are too big, incredibly high heels. These can be specialized high-heel insoles or general comfort insoles that help fill space and support your foot’s arch. By adding an insole, you can alleviate pressure on the balls of your feet, reduce foot fatigue, and keep your foot from sliding forward, which can be especially helpful in open-toe designs. Choose insoles made from gel or foam materials to find the right balance between cushioning and snugness.
Depending on the thickness, insoles can help make your significant heels fit better while enhancing comfort for extended periods. Be sure to try on the insoles with your shoes to ensure they don’t alter the fit or feel of the toe area too much, maintaining stylish yet comfortable wear.
Step 10. Consider Heel Grips
Heel grips are another useful accessory to help make oversized heels fit more comfortably. These self-adhesive pads are designed to stick onto the heel area of your shoe, providing extra cushioning and preventing your foot from slipping out with each step. Heel grips can also help reduce the risk of blisters by minimizing friction. To apply, simply peel off the backing and press the grips firmly against the inside heel of your shoe. This quick and inexpensive adjustment can enhance fit and comfort, allowing you to enjoy your stylish heels with added confidence.
By following these steps, you can confidently and comfortably wear high heels that may have been too big.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Using Too Many Inserts: While inserts can help reduce shoe size, overcrowding your heels with multiple inserts can cause discomfort and lead to an improper fit. Overstuffing can place pressure on your feet, making walking difficult and potentially causing pain or blisters.
2. Ignoring Proper Foot Support: Wearing high heels that are too big without considering foot support can result in foot strain or injuries. Avoid not utilizing supportive insoles or aids that provide the necessary cushioning and arch support to maintain comfort and foot health.
3. Overheating Your Shoes: When using a hairdryer to tighten shoes, overheating can damage the material, causing cracks or discoloration, particularly with delicate materials like leather or velvet. Always use caution and test the heat on a small area before applying it to the shoe.
4. Neglecting Safety Measures: If you’re using fashion tape or elastic bands to secure your heels, ensure they are not too tight and do not restrict blood circulation. Avoid overusing these makeshift straps, and check for skin irritation or discomfort from prolonged wear.
5. Rushing through Alterations: When getting professional alterations, take your time to communicate your needs clearly and try on the shoes after each alteration is made. Rushing through this process can result in an ill-fitting final product, which may be difficult or impossible to reverse.
Conclusion
How to wear high heels that are too big doesn’t have to compromise your comfort or style. By employing a variety of solutions, ranging from simple household techniques like stuffing the toe area with soft materials to more professional options such as cobbler alterations, you can achieve a secure and comfortable fit.
Adjustable straps, insoles, and heel grips can reduce slipping and provide necessary support, ensuring you can walk confidently. However, avoiding common pitfalls such as overcrowding your shoes with inserts or neglecting safety precautions is important.
By carefully applying these strategies and avoiding these mistakes, you can enjoy your stylish heels without sacrificing comfort.
